Description:
Sand dunes have formed in several places in Death Valley National Park. This
is a shot of the dunes inside of Death Valley proper (the other one that I know
of is in the next valley over, the Panamint Valley). The mountains behind the
dunes are part of the Panamint Range which separates the two valleys. If it
weren't for the poor weather, I believe you'd be able to see the giant Telescope
Peak off to the left which tops out at over 11,000 ft. (I think that's right,
but don't quote me on it). The sand dunes form because of the dry climate,
wind patterns and due to the availability of the proper size rock/sand particles.
The particles have to be small enough to be blown by the wind into place, but
large enough to not be blown high into the atmosphere as dust.